The U.S. Department of State has issued a recent travel warning for American citizens traveling between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The warning comes after a border closure was announced last week. The U.S. Embassy released a “security alert” stating that U.S. citizens planning to depart Haiti for the Dominican Republic on or after September 14 will not be able to do so and will need to make alternate arrangements. The embassy also clarified that it cannot facilitate entry into the Dominican Republic through a closed border crossing. Flights from Haiti to the United States and other destinations are still operating normally.
This recent travel warning follows a previous warning from the State Department urging Americans to leave Haiti immediately due to the country’s deteriorating security situation. The warning cited various factors such as kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and a poor healthcare infrastructure.
The closure of the Haiti-Dominican Republic border was announced by Dominican Republican President Luis Abinader during a televised speech. President Abinader stated that the closures, which include air, sea, and land traffic, are a result of a dispute over the construction of a canal that aims to use water from the Massacre River to alleviate a drought in Haiti. He accused high-ranking gang members in Haiti of attempting to steal water and emphasized that Dominican farmers rely on the Massacre River as a key resource.
The full border shutdowns came after the Dominican Republic had already stopped issuing visas to Haitians and closed the border near the town of Dajabon. President Abinader stated that the closure is necessary to protect his country from armed criminal gangs in Haiti. He expressed his hope that the construction of the canal can be stopped and a solution can be reached.
Haiti’s government, on the other hand, has expressed support for the canal project. While attending the United Nations General Assembly, President Abinader reiterated the need to protect his country from the gangs and political extremism present in Haiti.
Haiti has also requested assistance in addressing the surge in gang violence, with the United States planning to propose a U.N. Security Council resolution to authorize a multinational police force led by Kenya. However, a resolution has yet to be submitted, and no timetable has been provided. In response to the potential foreign force, a top Haitian gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizer, stated that they would fight against it.
Haiti has been experiencing chaos and anarchy since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Three Haitian Americans and a Colombian have been charged in connection with the assassination. The situation in Haiti remains unstable and volatile.
The travel warning and border closure have significant implications for American citizens and travelers between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is important for individuals to stay updated on the situation and make alternate travel arrangements as necessary.